86 Scamp frame rebuild

[Finntec]

I have a chance to buy a 1985 all original Scamp trailer. It looks like it needs some frame work. It has sat for 5 years unused. The tires are bad and the frame is very rusty. Torsion axle looks rough too.

Has anyone replaced a frame and axle on a Scamp before? I was thinking maybe I could just have a new frame made and drop the camper onto the new one.

I don't know if I want to chance towing it 10 miles. Anyone know if a flatbed tow truck would tow a small 13' trailer like this to my house? Am I being overly cautious?

Thanks for the suggestions in advance.

[Wimperdink]

It sounds like you've got it together. If I was at all worried after looking at it, that the frame would not get it home on its own, I would do exactly what your suggesting. That being said, I've not looked underneath a scamp trailer to know what kind of frame work is under there.

[Miriam C.]

[angib]

Assorted photos of a Scamp chassis - this is from the last few years, so may have some differences from a 1986 one. Note that some of the floor is integrated into the chassis, so replacing the chassis will need some replacing of the floor. You should ask on the FiberglassRV forum where several people have posted pictures of their chassis replacements.









Andrew

[Rick Sheerin]

Ray- A towing co would definately flatbed it for you. If you need any help, let me know.

[brian_bp]

Scamps are clones of Bolers; a Boler 1300 is essentially the same.

Frames of these trailers have been repaired, rebuilt, and outright replaced. Axles have been directly replaced, replaced with leaf-spring beam axles (arghhh), and replaced with a different configuration of rubber torsion axle.

Yes, FiberglassRV has people with this experience; there are also Scamp owner's groups online.

One aspect of the frame which may not be obvious in Andrew's otherwise excellent photo illustrations is that the door opens down in to the frame height, so there is a huge notch in the main frame rail on the curb side, and some structure to make up for that. This feature, as well as the more obvious drop floor sections, makes the frame less straightforward than most trailers... but still not rocket science.

The axle feature to watch for is that early models will have a leading-arm axle setup. The ones in the photos have the more common trailing arms; I don't know what Scamp did in 1985, but my guess is leading. The leading arm setup placed the axle cross-tube and mounts in stepped-up area of the frame, which is the back (thus forcing it to be mounted with the arms leading), so the trailer can ride lower (in conjunction with an up arm angle). Since it is (deliberately) very low, some people switch to a trailing axle mounted on the lower frame section (as in the photos) and/or a down arm angle. It is rumoured that the axles are no longer sold for leading-arm applications.

[Finntec]

Thanks for the pictures & information They look very much like I remember. I only had a quick look tonight. I'll try to get another look tomorrow. If I am lucky, I'll be able to buy it Friday.

[Finntec]

Yesterday I purchased the 13' 1987 Scamp w/ all the original records & paperwork! The frame was not as bad as I thought. The interior has a lot of mildew. I guess I'll have to gut it and do a rebuild. Part of the floor needs replacing due to the leaky windows. This will be a nice restoration project over the next couple of years. Although it seems huge compared to the TD, it is only 2' longer, taller and wider. I can't imagine having anything bigger.
btw (Have camped several times in a 38'er. It wasn't much like camping)

[Wimperdink]

Very cool... I've always liked the lil scamp trailers... "before I knew teardrops exhisted that is" Keep us fed with pics...

(Have camped several times in a 38'er. It wasn't much like camping)

My sentiments exactly... If you want all the comforts of home.... GO HOME!! lol

[mechmagcn]

Yesterday I purchased the 13' 1987 Scamp w/ all the original records & paperwork! (Have camped several times in a 38'er. It wasn't much like camping)

Congrats on the purchase of your new project . I know how it is to "camp" in an oversized rig, I have a 37' 5er with 3 slides in the driveway pulled by a 71 R-Model Mack. This is called RVing, not camping